Dear Daughter
It has been a while since I wrote a letter and created a patchwork square for my Dear Daughter quilt. I have not forgotten, or run out of things to say. No, the problem has been the patchwork squares.
I just wasn’t totally happy with the ones that I’d created. I wasn’t enjoying making them. I was up to my neck in a creative block. Unable to start the next one. Unable to see why. It took a little while to figure out the cause.
I knew what I wanted to make, but the templates and method felt hit and miss. I didn’t want to make it using that method. Time to step back and think. I threw the paper templates in the recycling bin and pulled out freezer paper, a ruler and pen.
The solution is obvious. Oh, how often is that the case! I’m making the measurements and I’m using the english paper piecing method, which achieves the end results that I like. I’m on a roll again and doing it my way.
I know you will understand this sentiment. You so often have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and you find a way to achieve it. For that, I am truly proud of you. You seldom feel the need to follow others for that reason alone. To follow the crowd without thought. I know that this also makes you sad, when you don’t find kindred spirits to join in your enthusiasm. It would be nice to have a friend who you could chatter away about your shared interests.
So my points to you:
1. You’ve found friends, but no-one that with the same interests as you. YET. It will happen. Give it time.
2. If everyone wore t-shirts with a list of their interests written on it, how easy it would be to find someone who shared your passion. Unfortunately, this is unlikely. The next best way to find fellow enthusiasts is to join the clubs. Maybe drop in mentions in class and conversation. Who knows whose ears will prick up. Look what happened when you mentioned that you played the harp.
3. Your interest in something, may inspire others. People’s questions often lead to their own interest growing. I know how eloquent you can be about getting your point across. (Oh boy, do I know!!!)
4. Don’t lose sight of your dreams. Just because no one else shows interest, doesn’t mean you can’t do it. You have a houseful of people at home, who love joining in with your enthusiasm. Make plans.
5. Remember to celebrate your uniqueness. We are all different and that is what makes life so interesting (and queues shorter).
6. Listen to other people’s passions too. You never know when they might coincide with yours in a less than obvious way.
7. Believe in yourself. Sometimes to step back for a moment, let’s you see how to do something your way and feel good about it. It can sometimes take courage, but it is worth it. Remember when we visited the Bishop’s Palace in Wells. The thought provoking words.
“Wanderer, there is no path, the path is made by walking” -Antonio Macado
Sometimes the pre-described path is not the right route for us. It may be easier to wander down that way, but ultimately it leaves us unsatisfied and frustrated. Your own path is a braver choice. It does get easier to take the less trodden path, after time. I should know. I seem to take so many of them myself. Of course, you never know who you will meet along the way. The friends you haven’t met yet.
So, be yourself. Believe in yourself.
As ever
your loving mother
